Make a Difference

For Tatyana, it’s not just about winning the next race, its about winning in life. After beginning her life in a Russian orphanage and as a person with a disability; Tatyana has faced various roadblocks and forms of discrimination. Luckily, Tatyana was fortunate enough to have people around her that really cared about her. Tatyana’s success is the success of many. Tatyana’s life goal is to make a difference both as a role model and as an person striving to make the world a better place for people of all abilities.

I can’t believe it!!!! My children’s book “Ya Sama” which means I can do it is finally out!!! You can order it on Amazon. This book tells a story of my wonderful life journey, and how I have gotten to be where I am today, and the person I have become. I chose to tell […]

The Wilma Rudolph Courage Award is presented by Women in Sports Foundation to a female athlete who exhibits extraordinary courage in her athletic performance, demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, makes significant contributions to sports and serves as an inspiration and role model to those who face challenges, overcomes them and strives for success at all […]

For the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Google is celebrating the spirit and vigilance of the leaders of the Disability Rights Movement, both past and present. I am so honored to have my portrait included at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. as part of this celebration. READ MORE

Several weeks ago I was suppose to race in Red Bull’s Wing for Life Run, a great cause to find the cure for spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, I had to decline the invitation. Please read my letter to them that was recently published in the News-Gazette. The word “can’t” is not in my vocabulary. I am […]

Paralympic champion Tatyana McFadden has chosen not to take part in a global charity race after organizers Red Bull banned racing wheelchairs. Last year, the 26-year-old took part in the inaugural Wings for Life race, which raises funds for research into a cure for spinal injuries. This year’s event takes place on 3 May at […]

I am so excited to be announcing my latest efforts to share my own life story through a series of children’s books I am creating. I hope to inspire children—especially children with disabilities—to be all that they possibility be. Please support my Kickstarter campaign to fund this project. Thank you so much for your support! – […]

Tatyana talks about her strategy for winning the Boston Marathon for the third consecutive year, dedicating the Marathon Win to the Richard Family, who lost a child in the bombing of the Boston Marathon two years ago. She also talks about using the story of her early years in an orphanage and becoming a major sports […]

If any of you saw Amy Purdee in the Toyota ad on the Super Bowl, you probably understand was a breakthrough this is! Are advertisers increasingly using disability to promote their products? After this year’s Super Bowl featured two adverts starring people with an impairment, the IPC’s Director of Media and Communications, asks if a new trend […]

This is a very endearing note written by a mother with a child born with spina bifida and her coming to understand the wonderful specialness of her child. A person is only limited by their lack of imagination and drive. We are all born with some unique abilities (don’t think of them as disabilities) and it […]

Come join me on February 13 at one of the premiere fundraising events in Chicago. Last year more than $2M was raised to support 18 local charities. I am supporting the Illinois Spina Bifida. The party starts at 5:30pm with a private reception and the floor opens at 7pm with more food, drink and […]